Dynamics develops microphone-based touch interface

A Cambridge-based firm named Dynamics is working on a new technology that may give every cell phone a touch interface. The technique does not require a physical panel, instead it uses your phone's microphone to pick up the vibrations of your finger moving anywhere on the object and uses that to determine what you're trying to do.

Where the system developed by Input Dynamics differs, according to New Scientist, is that it dispenses with the piezoelectric sensors in favour of a sensor that your handset is already guaranteed to have: the microphone.

As well as turning a standard display into a touch-screen, allowing the same sort of control that a traditional touch-screen would offer, the effect can be extended throughout the body of the handset; running your finger along the back might adjust the volume, for example, or a tap on the side could bring up a particular application.